I have been anxious to plant a lemon tree in my backyard. Is it true that only Meyer lemons are recommended for this area? If so, why is that? I would very much like to grow a lemon with a more traditional flavor. Are there any lemons at all that I could try? The tree will be relatively close to the house and might be able to be somewhat protected in case of a freeze.

Kathy Wilson

Susan Poag/The Times-PicayuneMeyer lemon trees, such as this one planted in 2010 for the Cafe Hope restaurant program at Hope Haven in Marrero, are preferred in Louisiana beause they are hardier than other types of lemons and tolerate the freezes we have in winter.

The Meyer lemon is recommended because of its cold tolerance. Lemons are one of the less cold hardy of the types of citrus we grow. (In order from hardiest to least hardy: satsuma, kumquat, orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime.) The Meyer lemon is actually a hybrid between a lemon and orange. The genes from the orange make it hardier than other types of lemons, and it will tolerate the freezes we have in winter better. These genes also make the flavor of Meyer lemons a bit sweeter and less acidic than other lemons, such as Lisbon and Eureka, the varieties you often find in the supermarket. You may find these varieties available at local nurseries, and if you do, feel free to plant them even though they are more prone to freeze damage. Don't plant a lemon tree any closer than 8 feet from a house.

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I'm concerned about a continuing problem with squirrels that have a huge nest in my magnolia tree. They are cutting ends of the branches and dropping them to the ground. While the ongoing task of raking up bag after bag of these branches is no fun, my main concern is that they will eventually hurt the tree. My magnolia tree is quite large, but this assault has been going on for months, and I can now see a whole lot more sky through the tree than I did previously. I would appreciate it if you would advise me if I should be concerned and what, if anything, I should do.

Sheila Dalton

This issue is generally not a major problem for trees and has no serious health effects. However, I can't see your particular tree. Should the squirrels strip the tree of all or the overwhelming majority of its foliage at some point, that would have a negative effect on the tree. If they did it over and over again rapidly every time the tree tried to send out new leaves, it would have serious health consequences. But, this would be very unusual. The squirrels like the leafy tree canopy. It provides them shelter and protection and hides them from predators. It would not be in their best interest if they thin out the canopy too excessively. So, I don't think you need to be overly concerned. The tree will look fuller when the new growth comes out in early summer. Indeed, the tipping of the branches by the squirrels will actually encourage the tree to branch and look fuller, much as we shear back shrubs to make them look denser.

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Is it just as affective to broadcast any fertilizer around a citrus tree's perimeter as it would be to punch holes around the perimeter and apply as such?

Jerry McLeod

Yes, you may simply scatter the fertilizer on the soil surface. Research indicates that broadcasting fertilizer around trees (all trees, not just fruit trees) works very well -- perhaps even better than other techniques.